Carbon Capture and Monitoring System

Project title: Carbon Capture and Monitoring System

The National Oceanography Centre is part of a consortia commissioned and funded by the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) to develop a specialised monitoring system incorporating marine robotics to ensure the integrity of carbon capture and storage sites deep below the seabed.

Led by Fugro GEOS Ltd and Sonardyne in collaboration with the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), British Geological Survey, University of Southampton and Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the purpose of the project is to develop and demonstrate a cost-effective Measuring, Monitoring and Verification (MMV) system for ongoing environmental assessment of the emissions deep below the seafloor from marine carbon capture and storage (CCS) sites.

Bringing together the knowledge and expertise gained by NOC in developing autonomous underwater vehicles, our Marine Autonomous and Robotics Systems (MARS) Facility is able to make a valuable contribution to this state-of-the art project. Autosub Long Range (ALR) will be used to demonstrate the capability to patrol and monitor the marine environment over the large CCS sites which are far below the seabed, at a relatively low cost.

Professor Russell Wynn, Chief Scientist of MARS and, principal investigator for this ETI project said: "NOC is delighted to be involved in this important project to underpin the potential for a new UK industry to de-carbonise future energy generation.”

“The project further highlights NOC's commitment to translate our science and technology advances into real benefits for the UK."